DELAWARE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Delaware Township School has received the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s “Best of Farm to School Award” for its efforts to bring locally grown food into its cafeteria and incorporate agriculture into students’ learning experiences.
The award was presented during the 16th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week and fourth annual Ag Literacy Week, being held Sept. 22-26.
“Delaware Township School is an outstanding example of the Farm to School purpose. By tying agriculture and nutritional education and embracing agriculture as an everyday part of the community where their students live, the school has earned this recognition,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “By using hands on learning, farmer presentations, including farm visits, and incorporating Jersey Fresh and school-grown produce in their menus, students are able to see the process of growing and harvesting the food they get to enjoy and learn the importance of healthy-eating habits while developing an appreciation of where their food comes from.
The school was recognized for connecting students with New Jersey agriculture while emphasizing community involvement, healthy eating habits and support for local farmers.
Agriculture-related activities at the school include farm visits, farmer presentations, growing produce and caring for animals. The school also offers a Garden Club, where students learn to plant, grow and harvest food, and a Crop Box program that provides school-grown produce to local neighbors.
“Delaware Township School benefits from being part of a rural farm community. Our local farm, Sweet Valley, has been instrumental in supplying us with fresh produce for our school cafeteria. We also are fortunate to have many volunteers who help maintain our gardens and supervise our students with their recycling and TerraCycling efforts”, said Delaware Township School Assistant Principal Valerie Wheatley. “The food waste that we collect is shared with home flocks and farm animals as well as composted for our gardens. We have been utilizing a hydroponic tower to grow greens and starter plants and our newest effort which is being supported by the Department of Agriculture is to have a greenhouse in the Kitchen Garden to extend our growing season.”
The school highlights Jersey Fresh items on its daily menu, often partners with neighboring farms and participates in taste-testing events, chef events and other educational opportunities designed to give students a seed-to-table experience.
A Green Team made up of parents, teachers, volunteers and board members also helps the school incorporate agriculture into student life while emphasizing community relationships and nutritious Jersey Fresh ingredients.
Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week was designated as the last week of September under a law signed in 2010. During the week, the Department of Agriculture highlights schools that work with New Jersey farmers to purchase local produce for school meals and incorporate agriculture into their curriculums.
Schools participating in the Farm to School Recognition Program are required to demonstrate that they work with farmers and their communities to provide students with access to Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables in cafeterias and classrooms. School gardens also provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn about agriculture and healthy eating habits.
